casgrain



May 27 1924.

L. A. CASGRAIN METHOD AND MACHINE FOR LASTINU BOOTS AND SHOES Filed March 4, 1918 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I ivy/W701?- 180445;

May 27, 1924. 1,495,161 1 L.-A. CASGRAIN METHOD AND MACHINE FOR LASTING BOOTS AND SHOES -Fil.ed March 4, 191 8 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 27. 1924. 1,495,161

L. A. CASGRAIN METHOD AND MACHINE FOR LASTING BOOTS AND SHOES Filed March 4, 191a 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 27, 1924. 1,495.16] I A. CASGRAIN METHOD AND MACHINE FOR LASTING BOOTS AND SHOES Filed March 4, 1912 4 sheets-sheet 4 's-dented May 27, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS A. CASG-RAIN, BEVERLY, llIASSACHUSET'IFS, .ASEEIGNOBI TO UNITED MACHINERY CORPORATION, 01 PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION 01? NEW MET/HOD AND MACHINE FDR LASTING- BOOTS, AND

Application filed March 4, 1918.

lowing description, in connection with the.

accompanying drawings is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to the lasting ol hoots and shoes.

(he invention illustrated as embodied in a machine especially designed for lasting shoes ol the type in the manufacture of which the shoe upper is temporarily secured in lasted position on an innersole by adhesion and the various bottoming materials of the shoe are subsequently permanently secured by vulcanization, the inner-sole for the shoe usually consisting of an inexpensive vulcanizable material termed rag-stock and having an adhesive coating applied to its surface.

l-lereto'fore, such shoes have been lasted almost entirely by hand, the customary man ner being for the operator to assemble the innersole, together with the shoe upper, upon a metal last and then to bring the marginal portion of the upper into adhesion with. the adhesive surface of the innersole with his lingers, subsequently rolling the over aid marginal portion of the innersolc by a relatively heavy hand roller to insure proper adhesion between the margin of the shoe upper and the innersole.

This method of lasting vulcanized rubbe sole shoes is not only exceedingly laborious and slow, but renders extremely ditiicult the obtaining of the desired precision and uni formity in the quality of the work. Moreover, it is diilicult to obtain sufiicient tension of the shoe upper about the last with the fingers to draw and shape the shoe u pper to the conformation of the last, this latter disadvantage having been largely responsible for previous inability of? the shoe manufacturer to produce a vulcanized rubber sole shoe having the style and appearance characteristic of leather shoes.

A particular object of the present invention is to provide a lasting machine espe- Serial No. 220,242.

cially adapted for lasting rubber sole shoes, by the use of which such shoes may be lasted more elliciently and with greater uniformity than heretoforewhich shall materially reduce the cost 0' the lasting operations and which shall have the greatest possible output capacity consistent with satisfactory work.

With these and other objects in view and in accordance with important features oi the invention, the illustrated machine organization comprises a lasting means con-- l'ormable to the sides oi? a last and lniving an approximately sole-shaped margin constructed and arranged for operative engagement with the margin of the upper of an unlasted shoe completely around the shoe and operating upon relative movement oithe lasting means and the shoe substantially in. the direction Of the height of the shoe to wipe the upper up the sides of the shoe toward the shoe bottom under tension and to overlay the margin. of the tensioned shoe upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

In the illustrated en'ibodiment of the in vention, the lasting means comprises a yielding and resilient shoe receiving pouch or matrix of a shape approximately complemental to the sides of a shoe and constructed and arranged first to be moved into tension applying relation to the shoe, the side walls being then converged into position to oven lay the margin of the tensioned upper into adhesion with the innersole. Since the last-- ing device is constructed. and arranged to act upon substantiallyall portions of the unlasted shoe during its operation, a single shoe lasting operation only is required. to last the shoe, thus insuring a more uniihirm quality of lasting than if separate portions of the shoe, as, for example, the toe or the heel were lasted by independent operations, and also the lasting operation may be per formed more quickly and with less labor cost than heretofore.

As herein shown, the application of ten sion to the shoe upper by the relative movement of the lasting means and the unlasted shoe is effected by a construction and arrangement of means such as to force the shoe into the lasting matrix, thus causing the matrix to wipe the shoe upper up the sides oi? the last and preferably, owing to the extensible and conformable character of'the matrix herein provided, also effecting an extension or stretching of the matrix while it is in conformation with the sides of the shoe so that it produces a frictional drag upon the shoe upper sufficient to conform the upper to the last and to eliminate any undesirable wrinkles and also to take out the stretch in the upper about the last.

Another important feature of the'inven' tion resides in the provision for varying the relative movement of the shoe and the lasting matrix whereby the shoe is forced upwardly .after its initial depression to bring the overlasted margin of the tensioned upper into proper adhesion with the innersole and is then finally depressed into a position to allow the lasting matrix to free itself from the shoe without disturbing the lasted condition of the upper.

In accordance with still another feature of the invention, the construction and arrangement of the organization for applying tension to the shoe upper and for laying the margin of the tensioned upper into lasted position on the innersole are such as to cause the lasting means to produce a uniform and proportional application of tension'to all portions of the shoe upper about the last substantially simultaneously and also a similar application of tension to uppers of shoes of a Wide range of sizes and shapes so that the lines of the shoe are consistent with the particular style of the shoe being lasted.

A further feature of the invention resides in the novel construction and the arrangement of the mechanism for actuating the lasting means whereby an initial relative adjustment of 'the lasting device may be effected in accordance with the requirements necessitated by a change in the size or style of the shoe to be lasted. Preferably, and as herein shown, such initial relative adjustments of the lasting device, while cffect-ing a symmetrical adjustment of one portion of the device, as at the toe thereof, are independent of the adjustment of other portions of the device. By reason of this relative adjustment between each end of the lasting means, the lasting force employed in lasting the toe or heel end of the shoe may be varied to meet certain abnormal conditions in the particular shoe to be lasted, for example, a shoe having extra box toe or heel stiffener materials.

In accordance with a still further feature of the invention, the lasting means in the illustrated construction is constructed and arranged to be caused to overlay the margin of the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position upon actuation of the lasting means during its movement relatively to the shoe and preferably during the process of stretching in the upper tensioning operation in such manner as to converge the lasting means inwardly and downwardly over on the shoe bottom, this converging movement of the lasting means being complen'iental to its upward upper tensioning movement so that the shoe upper is maintained continuously under the tensioning action of the lasting means as it is operated to overlay the margin of the upper over on to the shoe bottom.

It will be noted that the operation of the lasting device, first against the side faces of the shoe in the direction of the height of the shoe and then, diiagmially over on to the shoe bottom by a continuity of operative movement, is substantially identical with the action of the fingers of an operator in lasting the shoe by hand.

Other objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and the invention will be defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 isa front end elevation of a machine embodying a preferred form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the machine illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating the shoe located in operative relation to the lasting device;

Fig. 4 is a cross section through the last ing device showing a shoe in position to be operated upon by the lasting device;

Fig. 5 is a cross section illustrating one phase of the operation of the lasting device upon a shoe;

Fig. 6 is a cross section showing the. lasting device after it has completed the lasting operation upon the shoe;

Fig. 7 is a section illustrating the provi sions for holding a shoe during the application of tension to the shoe upper; and

Fig. 8 is a horizontal section on the line SS of Fig. 1.

The machine herein shown as illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a main frame 52 having an overhanging head portion on which is mounted a reciprocatory shoe engaging ack.

This jack comprises two lmigitndinally adjustable posts 4 and O for engaging a shoe bottom at the forepart and the heel respectively, each post being adjustably keyed by means of thumb screws 8 on a horizontal shaft 10 which is held in a bearing 11 provided on the forward end of a lever 12 fulcrumed at 14 in the head of the machine frame 2. The lower end of each of the posts 4 and 6 is provided with four radially projected spring fingers 16 (Fig. 7) which are adapted, together with the end of the post, to

therefore, not shown herein in detail.

engage the bottom of an unlasted shoe and exert a downward pressure upon the shoe while maintaining the shoe bottom in a substantially horizontal lane. The spring fingees 16 which extent toward the marginal portions of the innersole serve especially to render it certain that said marginal portions will not be pushed back or raised when the margin of the yieldable pouch hereinafter described is carried to the position shown in l ig. G. herein shown, the jack is reciprocated to exert a downward pressure upon the shoe by a manual or treadle operated means and also by a power controlled means, the manual means preferably effecting an initial operative movement of the jack and the power controlled means accomplishing the final (uperation of the jack. The initial manual operation of the jack is effected through a treadle rod 18 which is connected 20 to the rear end of the lever 1:2 and to the rear end of a lover of the first class which located in the base of the frame and constitutes the treadle lever. The power con trolled operation of the jack is effected by a cam 22 on a main driving shaft 24L disposed in the base of the frame 2. The shaft 24.- is driven by a fast pulley 26 on a shaft 528 which transmits power through a bevel gear 3) fast thereon to a co-operating beveled gear 532 which has a single revolution clutch connection with the shaft 24-. The clutch may be of any well known design and it is, The operation of the clutch is preferably occasioned at a infedetermined time in the manipulation of the manually operated treadle lever by connections between the treadle rod 18 and the clutch comprising a bell crank 36 pivoted at 38 to the frame One arm of thisbell crank ispivotally connected at 4-0 to the treadle rod 18 and the other arm 42 has a pin and slot connection with the upper end of a lever 4: 1 which fulcrumed on a stud 46 in a boss on the frame 2. Pivotally mounted at 4:? on the side of the lever 4:4. is trip latch 4:8 which is held in operative position by a spring -19 and is arranged to engage a boss 50 provided on the side of a lever This lever is also fulcruined at its lower end on the stud 46 and has its upper end as sociated with the clutch mechanism in such manner as to cause the pins 54L, if a pin type of clutch as herein indicated is used, to connect the continuously rotating gear 32 to the main driving shaft 24. As thus provided, the initial movement of the jack downwardly is effected by depression of the foot treadle and subsequent movement of the treadle rod 18 iiipwardly operates to oscillate the bell crank 36 to cause the latch 48 to move the lever 52 into position to actuate the engages a cam roll 56 provided on the end of the arm 42 of the bell. crank 36 and causes a further power oscillation of the bell cranlr and thereby a final operation or movement of the jack downivardly. The completion of the cycle of rotation of the cam 22 serves to release the trip latch 48 and allows the lever 52 to restore the clutch to an inoperative position. For purposes hereinafter to be men" tioned, the cam 22 is designed to effect a pe riodic depress-ion of the jack in timed rela tion to other operative portions of the machine. In order to facilitate the presentation and removal of the shoe from the machine, the jack posts are pi'eferi'tbly swung back out of the operators way in their normal position, Fig. 1, and they are swung into operative relation to the shoe upon the ini tial depression of the foot treadle by an arm 59 which is fast on the shaft 1.0 and carries at its upper end a cam roll 60 which is re ceived in a cam groove 61 provided in the head of the frame, the cam groove being ar ranged to swing the jack posts forwardly into a substantially perpendicular position on the shoe bottom.

In the illustrated en'ibodin'unrt of the in vention the shoe lasting device consists of an approximately shoe shaped pouch or form 62 adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position. Preferably, this shoe-- shaped pouch or form consists of a yielding and resilient material such as vulcanized rubber having suilicient elasticity to enable it to be extended or stretched while in con tact with the shoe whereby a frictional. drag may be produced upon, the unlastcd shoe upper which will act to tension the upper about the last. The rubber shoe-shaped form or matrix 62, as it may conveniently be termed, is preferably so shaped and arranged as normally to present a shoe receiving space corresponding to the shape of a shoe of medium sir-5e, that is, a size of shoe between the range of sizes for which the form is adapted and of a depth to enable the upper margin of sides of the form readily to be carried 0 on to the shoe bot-- tom during the operation of the n'iaelnne.

Although the matrix 62 is not herein shown as being reinforced, it has been found desirable under certain conditions to provide a fabric backing for portions of the matrix as, for example, where the matrix engages the more or less angular contour of the cone of the last. Also, such matrix may be so made as to provide for its extension or elasticity along a con'iparatively narrow portion adjacent to the marginal side faces of the shoe. This matrix 62 is ren'iovably sup-- ported in the machine at substantially the center of the toev and the heel and on either side of the matrix at the tip line, the ball line and the heel breast; line by clamp members 64;, 65, (3G and til respectively. Each of the clamps comprises two plates which are formed 011 their forward ends to receive an enlarged clamping edge provided on the matrix 62 and are secured together by screws (38, the under side of the forward end of the lower plates of each of the clamps being formed to present a downwardly projecting surface 69 130 assist the matrix in pressing the margin of the shoe upper in adhesion to the upper surface of the innersole. The heel and toe end clamps 64 are each pivotally secured on the studs 70 to the upper ends of their actuating arms 71 while the side clamps 65, 66 and 67 have a ball and socket connection 72 with their actuating levers 73, 7 1 and 75 respectively to provide for lateral play of the clamps and also free movement of the clamps upwardly from a horizontal position.

The matrix actuating levers 71 located at either end of the matrix are pivotally mounted on studs 76 carried by main actuating levers 78 which are mounted for oscillation lengthwise of the matrix (32 on transversely disposed shafts 80 having hearings in the machine frame. Both of these levers 78 have short arms 82 projecting toward each other each of which is provided with a segment gear 84. The matrix actuating levers 7 1 which support the matrix 62 at substantially the ball line are fulcrumed upon shafts 86 journaled in hearings on opposite sides of the machine and extending longitudinally of the matrix 62, the shafts 86 being located in substantially the same horizontal plane as the shafts 80 upon which the levers 78 are pivoted.

The side levers 74 are provided with enlarged portions projecting toward the other from their hubs 88 and the forward face of one enlarged portion is formed as a spur gear 90 which meshes with a. similar gear provided on the forward face of the hub 88 of the opposite rear side lever 74. Also, a curved segment gear 92 is provided on either side of the spur gear 90 on the hub 88 of one of the levers 74, these segment gears 02 being disposed so as to mesh with the segment gears 84-. on the levers 78. The front side lever 74: is provided with an arm 93 depending from its hub 88 and carrying a cam roll 94 at its outer end which is received in a cam. groove 95 formed in a cam 96 on the driving shaft 24. By reason of the described construction and arrangement of the end and the side actuating levers for the matrix they are all actuated in unison from the single operating cam 96, thus providing for a uniform and symmetrical lasting action of the matrix on the shoes.

The side levers 73 and 75, which act upon opposite sides of the matrix at the tip line and the heel breast line respectively, are pivotally mounted on studs 97between the forks of forked operating arms 98 and 100, respectively, the upper ends 101, 102, respectively, of each of the forks extending longitudinally of the matrix to provide for longitudinal adjustment of the levers 73 and 75 as will hereinafter be de scribed. The forked levers 98 and 100 are rigidly secured to the shafts 86 at their respective ends and each set, 73 and 75 respectively, is provided with arms 103, 101 which project toward each other from the hubs of the levers (Fig. 1) and have intermeshing teeth formed on their forward ends. The rear outside lever 100 is provided with an arm 106 carrying a cam roll 107 which is received in a cam groove 108 formed in the side of the cam 96. Thus the side levers 73 and 75 are also actuated in unison from the cam 96 and in timed relation to the actuation of the levers 71 and 74.

The illustrated machine has provisions for effecting an initial adjustment of the normal shape or shoe receiving space of the matrix 62 corresponding to any change in the size or style of the shoe to be operateijl upon and incidentally to vary the amount of converging movement imparted to the. matrix by the matrix actuating levers 71, 73 and 75, such adjustment preferal'ily be ing adapted to effect an equable and symmetrical adjustment of the matrix. As illustrated, the adjustment of the matrix 02 to effect an elongation or shortening of the shoe receiving space is obtained by adjust ing each of the end matrix actuating levers 71 longitudinally relatively to the main aetuating arms (8 upon which they are pivotally mounted and to the side levers 74:. This adjustment comprises an adjusting screw 110 which is rotatably secured by the collar 11.1 in the lever 71 and has its for ward end threaded into a pivot block in the upper end of the main actuating lever 78, a hand wheel 114 being provided for manipulation of the screw. Thus, upon rotation of the screw 110 at either end of the matrix 62 it may be given the desired length properly to receive the shoe to be lasted. .-\]so this adjustment of the matrix 62 efli'ecis a corresponding change in the amount of. movement imparted to the matrix by the levers 71., 73, 71 and 7:) in laying the margin of the upper into lasted position on the innersole. In order to effect a symmetrical elongation or shortening of the matrix to produce a shoe receiving space approxi' mately complemental to the shoe to he lasted and thus insure a uniform lasting action off the matrix on all portions of the shoe, the width or transverse shoe receiving space or opening is adjusted and, as shown, this adjustment is effected simultaneously and proportionally to the longitudinal adjustment of the matrix. For this purpose, the levers 73 and 75 on either side of the machine, which control the operation of the matrix at the tip line and the heel. breast line respectively, are each provided with a laterally projecting arm 11.6 having a ball socket to receive the ball shaped end 118 of a link 120, the other ball shaped end 122 of which is received in a ball sockct formed on a lever 126 pivotally mounted on the outer end of the transversely eX- tending shaft 80. The outer end of each of the levers 126 projects a distance beyond its connection 122, with the link 120 and is connected by a link 128 to the lever 71. Thus, movement of the levers 7i ow- 111g to an adjustment by means of the hand wheel 114; effects a corresponding longitudinal adjusting movement of the arms 73, 75 in the guide arms 98, 100 respectively. By reason of this adjustment of the arms 73, being through the links 120, 128 and connection 126 to the levers 71, an adjustment proportionate to the adjustment of the levers 71 is obtained so that the transverse contour of the matrix 62 is changed in common with the cl'iange in the longitudinal conformation of. the matrix according to the size of the shoe to be operated upon. While the described adjustment of the ma trix 62 by the manipulation of the hand wheel 114 at both of its ends is usually required so as to enable a uniform action of the matrix on the shoe, it has been found in practice that in lasting shoes in which the box toe or the heel stiffener materials are unusually heavy, or in case that a greater application of tension is desired at one end of the shoe than the other, an independent adjustment of the matrix at such end may be conveniently made, the side levers 74 serving to prevent endwise movement of the shoe in the matrix.

In the operation of the machine herein described, the unlastcd shoe is placed in an inverted position in the lasting device or matrix 62 as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2. The matrix presents a continuous upper engaging surface completely around the shoe and of a contour approximately complen'iental to the sides of the shoe. The foottreadle (not shown) is then depressed which acts to raise the treadle rod 18 and oscillate the lever 12 about its fulcrum 14;.

. As the forward end of the lever 12 is moved downwardly toward the shoe bottom, the

'arm 59, the upper end of which is controlled by the cam slot 61, operates first to swing the toe and heel posts 4 and 6 respectively into iierpondicular position, the fingers l6 and the end of each of the posts 4-, 6 engaging the innersole and providing a pluralit of points of support at both the forepart and the heel of the shoe against any tendency of the shoe to be displaced as it is forced downwardly. Nhen the posts l, 6 move down, the ends of the spring fingers first contact with the surface of the inner sole (compare Figs. 1 and 5) and as the ends of the posts approach. the innersole, said fingers spread and exert an outward pushing action on the innersole and finally bear thereon so near its margin as to hold the latter snugly to the last. The downward movement of the jack posts acts to depress the unlasted shoe into the matrix 62. The depression of the foot treadle oscillates the bell crank lever 36 about its pivot 38, and after the initial manual depression of the shoe into the matrix has been effected, the arm lei is moved outwardly or to the left, Fig. 1, a sufficient distance to cause the latch 48 carried thereby to engage the boss 50 provided on the clutch operating arm 52 and move the said arm into position for the clutch pins 5s to op crate, whereby the main driving shaft 24; is rotated through the bevel gear connection 32, 4:0 to the driven shaft 26 carrying powcroperated movement of the posts in the direction to force the shoe into the matrix. The matrix is thus forced into exact conformation with the side faces of the shoe and since it is supported along its upper edge, the relative movement of the shoe causes the inner or upper engaging surfaces of the n'iatrix to wipe the upper upwardly in the direction of the shoe bottom, thus tensioning the upper about the last. Also by reason of the extensibility or elasticity of the material constituting the matrix 62, the movement of the shoe serves to stretch and extend the matrix while it is in conformation with the shoe, thereby producing a frictional drag which action is particularly effective in eliminating any wrinkles in the upper and conforming the upper to the shape of the last. It will be seen that as the shoe is further depressed into the matrix, the ac tion of the matrix upon the shoe becomes correspondingly greater, and since the normal shape or form of the matrix is main tained by its supporting and actuating arms 71, 73, 74L and 75, substantially all portions of the shoe upper are treated alike, whereby a uniform application of tension is secured and the shoe upper accurately conformed to the conforn'iation of the last. The shoe is preferably depressed into the matrix 62 a distance sufficient for a margin at the sides of the matrix to project above the bottom of the shoe after sufficient tension has been applied to the upper, this position of the shoe being indicated by the dot and dash upon the shoe upper, 5

lines, Fig. 2'. After the shoe upper has been suliiciently tensioned about the last, the enis so timed with relation to the relative tension applying movement of the shoe that it occurs in continuation with the depression of the shoe into the matrix that is, during the latter part of the depression of the shoe. The operation of the matrix actuating levers 71 and 74, as above described, is efi'ected from the cam 96 on the main driving shaft 24. This cam oscillates the for ward side lever 74- about its fulcrum on the shaft 86 whereby the laterally projecting arm 82 is moved in a direction to cause the end levers 78, through their inter-gearin 84, 92, to be oscillated about their fu crums on the shaft 80, and the levers 71, together with the levers 74, caused to be moved inwardly over on to the shoe bottom and thereby carry the sides of the matrix into position to lay the margin of the upper into adhesion to the upper surface of the insole. The cam 96 also acts upon the arm 106 of the front lever 100 at the rear end of the matrix to oscillate it and the arm 75 pivoted thereon, and causes a similar oscillation of the levers 75, 100 at the opposite side of the matrix. Also, a corresponding lateral oscillation of the lovers 78, 98 on either side of the front end of the matrix is effected by the oscillation of the shafts 86 to which they are rigidly securc'd. The converging movement imparted to the margin of the matrix by tie actuation of the levers 71, 7 3, 74 and 75 produces a uniform and symmetrical action on the shoe, and by moving the shoe downwardly into the matrix simultaneously with 'such converging movement of the margin of the matrix over on to the shoe bottom, the upper remains under an active tensioning force during the operation of the matrix to lay the margin of the upper over on to the innersole, thus eliminating any possibility of the tensioned upper reacting during the change of direction of the operating forces, first in wiping the upper up the sides of the last and over on to the innersole. This organization of operating mechanism enables the margin of shoe upper to be laid over on to the innersole progressively from the outer edge of the shoe inwardly. This feature is of considerable importance in pro viding a satisfactory machine for lasting shoes in which the lasted upper is tempo- .rarily secured to the innersole by cement inasmuch as substantially no manipulation of the upper is possible after it has once. been brought in contact with the innersole. Immediately after the margin or sides of the matrix 62 have been carried over on to the shoe bottom so as to enwrap the sides of the shoe and the margin of the bottom surface of the shoe under the tension of the matrix, as indicated in Fig. (i, the toe and heel posts 4 and. 6 are given a slight upward movement by their ()lXl'tltlTlfl cam sufficient to permit the shoe to be moved upwardly. This upward movement of the shoe serves to press the projecting surface (15) on the under surface of the clamp members 64, (i5, 66 and 67 upon the overlasted margin of the inncrsolc and into proper :ulhcsion thereon. A final depression of the toe and heel posts is then effected by the cam 22 which enables the portion of the matrix overlying the shoe bottom and the sides of the matrix to free itself from the shoe without disturbing the lasted position of the shoe upper on the last during the return of the matrix to its normal shoe receiving shape by its actuating levers 71, 73, 74 and 75. In case the shoe to be lasted is of a substantially different size or style than the shoe previously lasted, the normal shoe re ceiving shape or conformation of the matrix 62 may be varied by manipulation of the hand wheel 114 which effects a corres mmh ing elongation or shortening of the matrix and simultaneously therewith :1. corresponding longitudinal adjustment; of the arms 73, 75 between the forked arms of the lovers 9S, 1G0 respectively. Thus the pouch or matrix may at all times present a eontinlujms surface which is substantially con'iplemental to the shape of the shoe to bc lasted. If the shoe to be lasted has an excess or unusual amount of box too or heel stiffener materials, in which event the normal uniform operation of the matrix will not be sullicient properly to conform the materials to the desired conformation of the last, an independent adjustment of either end of the matrix 62 may bev made whereby a more effective action of the matrix on. the shoe is produced. In this case, the side levers 74 are given the usual amount of lateral oscillation to conform the upper materials to the last so that they also serve the. additional function of clamping the shoe against any endwisc movement in the matrix. This adjustment of only one end of the matrix has also been found useful in drafting a shoe upper about a last in which the shoe upper has been cut scant. By adjusting the toe post 4 and heel post 6, the amount of depression of the shoe into the matrix may be controlled, this adjustment also co-operating with an adjustment of the matrix to allow the shoe to be placed to a greater depth in the matrix for the purpose of controlling the ammint of tension applied to lilt) the shoe upper. If desired, the cam 96 controlling the operation of the matrix actuating levers 71, 71', 74 and 75 may be so formed as to cause a slight initial opening of the shoe receiving space in the matrix 62 after the shoe has been positioned therein, thus insuring that all portions of the shoe shall be acted upon.

It will be noted that in the use of the above machine, ashoe may be satisfactorily lasted in a single operation quickly and economically. Also the use of this machine does not necessitate the entiployment of a skilled operator, which, in the manufacture of footwear of this type is of considerable importance inasmuch as such shoes are comparatively inexpensive and, therefore, it is essential that in providing a power operated machine the cost of the lasting operation be reduced to a minimmn.

Important features of the invention which enable rapid work to be done satisfactorily by an unskilled operator consist in theconstruction and arrangement: of the member 652 hereinbefore referred to as a pouch or matrix, which is formed to completely surround a shoe upper on a last. It will be noted that the member 62 performs all the functions of lasting the upper. Moreover, it efl'ects co1nplete lasting by a single operation. It is, practically, a pouch which serves several purposes. First, its normal shape and size are such that the space within it will receive an assembled last and. upper and support the same; next, when the posts 1, 6 depress the last, the upper is completely tensioned about the last; and finally its complete or continuous marginal portion which is con'i n'essible effects the securing of the n'iargin of the tow sioned upper upon the innersolc as hereinbefore described.

It will be noted that the illustrated lasting element 62 furnishes, when in normal or idle condition, a support which will enable the operator to properly locate an upper and last therein, or in other words, means for guiding the last and upper to proper position for lasting; means for tensioning the upper about the last when relative movement of the last and lasting means is effected in the direction of the height of the shoe; and means for uniformly overlaying the entire margin of the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom in lasted position without requiring the operation of some other element to co1nplete the lastin Particuh advantages obtained by means of the member 62 are that the operator can readily see what he is doing when he puts the assembled last and upper and innersole in the pouch which holds said parts preliminarily without any other support such as a jack. Since the last and the shoe parts rest in the member62 in an inverted position, the operator can readily gage the place of the shoe parts so that the amount of overlap of the margin of the upper can be accurately gaged.

An important factor in obtaining the aboveanentioned advantages is the mounting and operation. of the aclr so that its posts 4-, 6, normally occupy a position separated from the lasting device 62 far enough, and also so laterally displaced as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, as to enable the operator to manually manipulate the shoe parts on a last while the latter is supported by the lasting device, after which the jack is shifted to position above the work-supporting lasting device and the lasting operation is effected as here inbefore described and as illustrated by com paring Figs. 3, 5 and 6. Upon completion of the lasting operation upon one shoe, the jack automatically returns to the normal displaced position indicated in Figs. 1 and 52 so that after removal of the lasted shoe an other last with shoe parts thereon can be located as indicated in Fig. i, with nothing in. the way to interfere with the operator see ing the work and effecting any manipulation that may be desirable.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a shoe lasting machine, a co1nforinable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped margin and constructed and arangQd for operative engagement with. the margin of the upper of an unlasted shoe eo1npletely around the shoe, means for elli'ecting relative movement of the lasting means and the shoe substantially in the direction of the height of the shoe to wipe the upper up the sides of the shoe toward the shoe bottom under tension and means for pulling the margin of said lasting means over the bottom of the shoe to overlay the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

2. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin constructed and arranged for operative engagement with the margin of the upper of an unlasted shoe completely around the shoe, and means for effecting in a single operation relative movement of the lasting means and the shoe substantially in the direc tion ofthe height of the shoe to wipe the upper up the sides of the shoe toward the shoe bottom under tension and moven'ient of the margin of the lasting means over the but tom of the shoe to overlay the tensioned up per upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

3. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in

of the upper of an unlasted shoe completely around the shoe, means for effecting relative movement of the lasting means and the shoe substantially in the direction of the height of the shoe to wipe the upper up the side of the shoe toward the shoe bottom under tension, and means operating to pull the margin of said lasting means inwardly to overay the margin of the tcnsioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

4. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin formed and arranged for operative engagement with the margin of a shoe upper completely around an unlasted shoe, and mechanism constructed and arranged to effect in a single operation a rela tive bodily movement of the said lasting means and the shoe substantially in the direction of the height of the shoe to cause the said lasting means to draw the upper about the last under tension and to effect a movement of the margin of the lasting means inwardly in substantially the plane of the shoe bottom to cause the said lasting means to overlay the margin of the ten sioned shoe upper on the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

5. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin formed and arranged for operative engagement with the margin of a shoe upper completely around an unlasted shoe, and mechanism constructed and arranged to effect a relative bodily movement of the lasting means and the shoe to cause the said lasting means to draw the upper about the last under tension, said mechanism being arranged to proportion the upper tensioning force according to the requirements of the shapes of different portions of the shoe to effect substantial uniformity in the tensioning of the difierent parts of the shoe upper, and means operating to pull the said lasting means in a direction to overlay the margin of the tensioncd shoe upper on the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

6. In a shoe lasting machine, a resilient self-conforming lasting device having an approximately sole-shaped margin constructed and ar'anged to wipe the upper over the side of a last in a shoe with progressively increasing upper tensioning force upon relative movement of the lasting device and the shoe substantially in the direction of the height of the shoe, and means for pulling the margin over the bottom of the shoe to overlay the margin of the tcnsioned shoe upper on the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

7. In a shoe lasting machine, shoe lasting means constructed and arranged for continuous uninterrupted engagement with the margin of the upper ctnnpletcly around an unlasted shoe and automatically actuated mechanism operating upon relative bodily movement of the lasting means and the shoe first to wipe the upper up the sides of the shoe toward the shoe bottom under tension and then to overlay the tcnsioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

8. In a shoe lasting machine, shoe lasting means formed and arranged for continuous and uninterrupted engagement with the margin of the shoe upper completely around an unlasted shoe, and automatically operated mechanism constructed and arranged to cause said lasting means first to wipe the upper up the sides of a last in a shoe with progressively increasing upper tensioning force by relative movement of the lasting device and the shoe substantially in the direction of the height of the shoe and then to overlay the margin of the tcnsioned shoe upper on the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

9. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable pouch having a single wall adapted to receive an unlasted shoe, and means including means for gripping the edge of the pouch for effecting relative movement of the pouch and the shoe to wipe the upper up the sides of the shoe toward the shoe bottom under tension and to overlay the tcnsioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

10. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a pouch adapted to receive and support an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, said pouch having a continuous conformable margin, means constructed and arranged to cause an extension of the pouch in a direction to tension a shoe uppe about the last, and additional means to pull the marginal portion of the pouch in over the shoe bottom and into position to lay the margin of the tcnsioned upper into final lasted position on the shoe bottom.

11. A shoe lasting machine con'iprising. in combination, a conformable lasting means adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, said lasting means having a continuous margin, means i'or moving a shoe relatively to the lasting means in the direction of the height of the shoe to tension the shoe upper about the last, and means for stretching the margin of the lasting means over upon the shoe bottom to overlay the margin of the tcnsioned upper into final lasted position.

12. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a yielding and resilient lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped margin, means for moving a shoe relatively to the lasting means in the direction of the height of the shoe to cause it to tension the shoe upper about the last, and means for pulling a portion of the lasting means over lit) Hit)

lllil on the shoe bottom, said last mentioned means being constructed and arranged to overlay the margin of the shoe upper by the application. of a force directed substantially perpendicularly to the shoe bottom.

13. in. a shoe lasting machine, a conformable lastinp means having an. approximately sole-shaped margin constructed and arranged 'lor o 'ierative engagement with the n'uufn'in of the upper of an unlasted shoe completely around the shoe grippers for en gaging the i'nargin, manually operated means to ellect an initial relative movement of the lasting means and the shoe in the direction of the height of the shoe, and power means operating the grippers to converge the margin of the lasting means relatively to the shoe.

1.4L. A. shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, means for holding,- an unlasted shoe, means operating upon. the shoe upper constructed and arranged to overlay the margin of the shoe upper upon the bottom of the shoe in ilinal lasted position, manually initiated means for effecting a partial actuation oil the overlaying means, and power operated. means for effecting a final actuation of the overlaying; means in continuation of the manual. means.

15. A, shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting; means adapted to receive and support an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, shoe pressing means arranged to engage the shoe bottom at a plurality of points, said pressing means being independently adjustable, and means to cause the shoe pressing means to depress the shoe into the lasting means for tensioning' the upper about the last.

16. A. shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting device adapted to receive an, unlasted shoe in. an inverted position, shoe pressing; niieans, manual means operating to cause the shoe pressing means to move the shoe relatively to the lasting device to eil ect an initial. application o'l tension oi the shoe upper about the last, power means operating in continuation of the manual means to effect additional relative movement of the shoe and. the lasting); device -for a final application of tension to the shoe upper, and connections tor automatically bringing the power means into operation after actuation of said manual means.

17. a. shoe lasting, machine comprising, in combination, a contorn'iable matrix adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, shoe p ,ssingg means adapted to engage the shoe bottom at a plu rality of points, a treadle coni'iected to the shoe pressing means constructed and ar ranged to cause the shoe pressing means to force the shoe into the matrix, and power means controlled by the operation of the treadle for ell'ecting a continuation of the manual operation of the shoe pressing means to force the shoe into the matrix.

18. It shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin formed and arranged for operative engagement with the margin of a shoe upper completely around an unlasted shoe, mechanism constructed and arranged to effect a relative bodily movement of the lasting means and the shoe to cause the lasting means to draw the shoe upper about the last under tension and to overlay the margin. of the tensioned upper on the shoe bottom in final lasted position, and means for pressing upon the shoe during the upper tensioning and overlaying movement.

19. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting device adapted to receive and support an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, means for engaging the bottom of the shoe at the heel and forepart, means for adjusting the shoe engaging means relatively to each other and to the shoe, and means for causing the shoe engaging means to move the shoe relatively to the lasting device.

20. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped opening, said means being constructed and arranged for operative engagement With the margin of an. unlasted shoe completely around the shoe, means for effecting move ment of the shoe relatively to the lasting means in the direction of the height of the shoe and means for supporting the lasting means in opposition to the movement of the shoe, said last-named means being constructed and arranged to move the lasting means into position to overlay the margin of the shoe upper in final lasted position on the shoe bottom.

21. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in coinbimition, a con'l ori'mihle pouch having an endless, substantially sole-shaped margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, a shoe pressing means constructed and arranged to force the shoe into the pouch, means associated with the upper portion of the pouch during the movement of the shoe to eiliect an extension of and the lasting means during the lasting operation in different directions in a single cycle of operations of the machine, and means for converging the margin of said lasting means.

23. In a shoe lasting machine, a lasting: means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position. a shoe engaging means and means constructed and arranged to compel a plurality of relative movements of the shoe and the lasting 11103118 in opposed directions during a single cycle of operations of the machine.

24. In a shoe lasting machine, a lasting means having an ap1i)roximately sole-shaped continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, shoe eugaging means, and power-operated mechanism constructed and arranged to cause the said shoe engaging means alternately to depress and to release the shoe in the lasting means at a plurality of predetermined times during a single cycle of operations of the machine.

25. In a shoe lasting machine, a confornr able matrix adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, shoe engaging means, and power means associated with the shoe engaging means constructed and arranged to cause the said shoe engaging means alternately to depress and to release the shoe in the said matrix at a plurality of predetermined times during a single cycle of operations of the machine.

26. In a shoe lasting machine, a lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, shoe engaging means, means constructed and arranged to effect a plurality of relative movements of the shoe and the lasting means in opposed directions during the lasting operation, and mechanism operating between two of said relative movements to cause the lasting means to overlay the upper upon the shoe bottom.

27. In a shoe lasting machine, a lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in inverted position, shoe engaging means, power-operated means constrncted and arranged auton'iatically to move the shoe engaging means relatively to the lasting means in the direction of the height of the shoe to tension the upper about the last, then to actuate the lasting means to overlay the margin of the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom, and then to cause the shoe engaging means to release the shoe after the overlaying operation of the lasting means.

28. In a shoe lasting machine, a conformable matrix adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in. inverted position, shoe engaging means operating to depress the shoe into the matrix to tension the upper about the last. and means operating to converge the side walls of the matrix into position to overlay the margins of the tensimled upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position, said shoe engaging means being constructed and arranged to eli'cct an additional depression of the shoe in the matrix after the completion of the operation of the upper overlaying means.

29. In a shoe lasting machine, a conform able pouch adapted to rc-eive and support an unlasted shoe in an inverted position and. to resist relative movement of: the shoe in the direction of its height, and means constructed and arranged to move the shoe rehv tively to the pouch in opposition to its re-' sistance, and operating means for compelling said shoe moving means to be arrested at a predetermined time during the cycle of operations of the machine.

30. In a shoe lasting machine. an extensible pouch normally approximately complemental to the sides of a shoe, shoe engaging means operating to force the shoe into the pouch to tension the upper about the last. and means for causing the pouch to overlay the margin of the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom. said shoe engaging means being constructed and arranged to effect auto-- matirally a release of the shoe innncdiatciv following the overlaying operation of the said pouch.

31. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means having an approximately sole-shaped continuous margin, shoe engaging means arranged to effect relative movement of the said lasting means and the shoe to tension the upper about the last. and positively controlled means operating to carry the lasting means into position to overlay the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

32. A lasting machine comprising, in com bination. a conformable pouch having an endless substantially sole-shaped margin, shoe engaging means arranged to engage the shoe bottom at a plurality of points. mechanism for causing the shoe engaging means to depress the shoe in the pouch, and means connected with the upper margin oi the pouch constructed and arranged to move the said margin of the pouch in a direction to overlay the margin of the tensioned upper into final lasted position on the shoe bottom.

A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination. a conformable pouch normally approximately complemental to the sides of: an unlasted shoe and having a continuous margin, means for supporting the pouch along its margin. shoe pressing means constructed and arranged to depress the shoe into the pouch and cause it to tension the till lill) l Ii (ill

'mechanism for effecting movement of the said arms inwardly to overlay the margin. of the upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position.

A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable pouch having a continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted' shoe in an inverted position, a pluraljity of pouch supporting arms engaging the margin of the pouch, and mechanism for effecting a substantially simultaneous movement of the said arms inwardly over the shoe bottom an amount proportional to the requirements of the shapes of different parts of the shoe.

36. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination a conformable pouch having a continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, a plurality of arms engaging the margin of the pouch, and operating mechanism for the said arms constructed and arranged to carry the walls of the pouch over on to the shoe bot tom a uniform distance on opposite sides of the shoe.

37. A shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable pouch having a continuous margin adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, a plurality of pouch actuating arms engaging the margin of the pouch, and means for effecting an extension of the pouch While in contact with the shoe upper for tensioning the upper about the last, said pouch being construeted and arranged for relative extension of adjacent parts proportional to the shape of corresponding parts of the shoe.

shoe lasting machine comprising, in combination, a conformable pouch adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, a plurality of pouch actuating arms engaging the margin of the pouch, means for effecting an extension of the pouch while in contact with the shoe upper for tcnsioning the upper about the la st, said pouch being constructed. and arranged for relative extension of adjacent parts proportional to the shape of corresponding parts of the shoe. and means for'operating the pouch actuating arms to effect similarly iiroportioned converging movement of the sides of the pouch to overlay the margin of the tensioned upper into lasted position on the shoe bottom,

structed and arral'igrcd to cause the lasting means first to tension the shoe upper and then to overlay the upper into lasted position on the shoe bottom at both ends of the shoe substantially simultaneously.

.110. A shoe lasting machine having, in combination, an elastic member adapted to extend. down around the toe portion of a shoe which is in inverted. position, means for causing relative movement between the shoe and the member first in a direction to stretch the member and then in a direction to relieve the stretching and permit the shoe to be moved upwardly, and means op erating between these movements for overlaying the margin of the upper upon the bottom of the shoe and for resisting the upward movement.

4:1. In a shoe lasting; machine, a conformable pouch adapted to receive and support an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, and means for adjusting the size of the shoe receiving opening of the pouch.

412. In a shoe lasting machine, a con- :tormable matrix adapted to receive an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, mechanism constructed and arranged to cause thcmatrizt to overlay the margin of the shoe upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position at each end of the unlasted shoe simultaneously, means for pressing upon the shoe during the operation of the matrix, and means for eilfeoting an adjustment of the matrix operating mechanism to vary the overlaying operation of the matriir upon one end of the shoe.

41:3. In a shoe lasting machine, conformable pouch adapted to receive an unlastcd shoe in an inverted position, and means for effecting a symmetrical adjustment of the pouch to vary the size of the shoe receiving opening of the pouch.

4A. A shoe lasting n'iachine comprising, in combination, a conformable lasting means constructed and a ranged for continuous uninterrupted engagement with the margin of the toe and the heel end of the upper of an unlastcd shoe. shoe pressing means, power operated mechanism constrlmted and. arranged to cause the lasting device to ten sion the shoe upper and to overlay its margin upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position, and means for effecting an initial. relative adjustment of one portion of the lasting means so as to vary the action of this portion of the lasting means upon the shoe relatively to the action of the lasting means upon other parts the shoe.

45. In a shoe lasting machine, a conformable lasting means constructed and arranged for continuous uninterrupted eugagement with the margin of the toe and the heel end of the upper or an unlasted shoe, shoe pressing means, mechanism constructed and arranged to cause the matrix to tension the shoe upper about the last and to overlay the margin of the tensioned upper upon the shoe bottom in final lasted position, and means for effecting an initial adjustment of a portion of the matrix relatively to adjacent portions of the matrix to cause the adjusted portion of the matrix to act with a dilferent degree of force upon the unlasted shoe than other portions of the matrix.

46. In a shoe lasting machine, a conformable pouch adapted to receive and support an unlasted shoe in an inverted position, a pluralitv of pouch actuating arms constructed and arranged to converge the side wallsof the pouch into position to overlay the margin of the shoe upper into lasted position on the shoe bottom, actuating means for said arms, and means for effecting an initial relative adjustment of the pouch actuating arms to vary the overlaying operation of the pouch.

47. An elastic member of a form to re ceive an unlasted shoe and to contact with the upper thereof at the side, heel and toe portions of that margin of the upper which is adjacent the bottom of the last, grippers engaging the edge of the elastic member at points adjacent the toe, heel and sides of the lasted shoe, and means for operating the grippers to move them over the bottom of the shoe.

48. A hollow, elastic lasting member shaped to receive and support an unlasted shoe by contact with the upper thereof, said member having an open end the outline of the continuous edge of which is substantially sole-shaped, and means for exerting tension upon the edge of the opening at the heel, toe and sides of the last to decrease the size of said opening.

49. A lasting machine comprising, in combination, devices for lasting the margin of a shoe upper around the margin of an inner sole while on a last, and pressers having spreaders constructed and arranged to engage toe and heel areas of the innersole, and exert outward pushing action on the innersole to insure proper positioning thereof while the margin of the upper is being overlaid thereon.

50. A lasting machine comprising, in combination, 'devices for lasting the margin of a shoe upper around the margin of an inner sole while on a last, and pressers having spreaders constructed and arranged to engage toe and heel areas of the innersole. and exert outward pushing action on the innersole to ensure proper positioning thereof while the margin of the upper is being overlaid thereon, said spreaders comprising radially extending spring fingers arranged to bear on the innersole in advance of the contact of the pressers therewith.

51. That improvement in the art of lasting the uppers of shoes which comprises applying an adhesive to the inner face oi" the lower margin of the upper. enclosing the upper and a last in an elastic envelope, stretching the envelope first in a direction to draw the upper about the last and then in a direction to bend the lower margin of the upper over the bottom of the last and subsequently permitting the elastic envelope to resume its normal shape.

52. A lasting machine, having, in combination, a flexible matrix shaped to lit about an upper on a last, a presser adapted to engage an insole on the last, means normallv holding the presser away from and to one side of the matrix. and means for mov ing the presser over the matrix and bringing it down upon the insole.

53. A lasting machine having, in combination, a flexible lasting device normally exposed for enclosing a. last and shoe parts mounted thereon, a presser laterally movable to and from position above said lasting device, and power operated means for moving the presser laterally and for effect ing relative approaching movements of the presser and lasting device while the presser is above the lasting device.

54. A lasting machine having. in combination, a flexible lasting device norn'ially exposed for enclosing a last in inverted position and shoe parts mounted thereon. a, presser laterally movable to and from position above said lasting device, means for normally retaining the presser in laterally displaced position. and means for effecting relative approaching movements of the presscr and lasting device while the presser is above the lasting device.

55. A lasting machine comprising. in combination, an upwardly facing lasting device capable of supporting a last bottom uppermost while shoe parts are manipulated relatively thereto. a presser laterally movable to and from position above said lasting device, means for normally retaining the presser in raised and laterally displaced position. and means for shifting the presser to position over the lasting device and lowering it to depress the last and its shoe parts into operative connection with the lasting device.

56. A shoe lasting machine having, in combination, a comtormable elastic matrix adapted to receive an unlasted shoe, means for engaging the bottom of the shoe to sup port it in opposition to the matrix. and means for causing first relative movement of approach of the engaging means and the Inn till

matrix to force the shoe into the matrirr, then movement of the edge of the matriir over the bottom of the shoe, and then move ment of the engaging means and matrix in a direction to cause the matrix to press the margin of the upper of the shoe upon the bottom thereof.

57. In a shoe lasting machine, a conformable enveloping member having an opening to receive an unlasted shoe, and means independent of the shoe for adjusting the member to change the shape of the openin 58. A shoe lasting machine, having in combination, a conformable elastic matrix adapted to receive an unlasted shoe, means for forcing the shoe into the matrix to "Wipe the upper along the sides of the last toward the bottom of the shoe, means operating dur ing this forcing movement to carry the man gin of the upper over the margin of the bottom of the shoe but substantially out. of contact with said bottom, and means operating then to cause the margin of the upper to be pressed against the bottom of the shoe.

59. A. shoe lasting machine, having in combination, a conformable, elastic matriir adapted to receive an unlasted shoe, means for engaging the bottom of the shoe to sup port it in opposition to the matrix, and means for causing first relative movement of approach between the bottom engag' means and the matrix; to force the shoe into the matrix and thereby to dravv the upper of the shoe about the sides of the last, then movement of the margin of the matrix over the margin of the shoe bottom to carry the margin of the upper over the margin of the bottom of the shoe, then relative movement of separation of the bottomengaging means and the margin of the matrix to permit the margin of the upper to be pressed against the margin of the bottom of the shoe, then relative movement of approach of the bot tom engaging means and the matrix to re lease said pressure, and finally return of the bottom engaging means and the matrir: to their initial positions.

60. A lasting machine comprising, in combination, an elastic envelope shaped to rcceive an upper upon a last and to engage the margin of the upper at the toe, heel and side portions, pressers arranged to eng the insole, means for producing relatme movement of the pressers and envelope to Wipe the upper up the sides of the last and to overlay the margin of the upper upon the margin of an insole placed upon the bottom of the last, and spreaders constructed and arranged to engage the insole near the margin thereof to hold the margin dovvn upon the last,

61. A. shoe lasting machine having, in combination, a conformable single-vvalled pouch having an endless margin, and treadle-controlled, power-operated means for first causing the main portion of the pouch to exert a frictional drag upon the shoe upper to tension the upper about the sides of the last and for thereafter bending the marginal portion of the pouch over the edge of the bottom of the shoe to overlay the margin of the tensioned shoe upper upon the shoe bottom.

62. A shoe lasting machine having, in combination, an elastic member adapted to extend down around the toe portion of an unlasted shoe Which in inverted position, clamping means engaging the edge of the elastic member, means for engaging the bot tom of the shoe, means for producing relative movement of approach between the bottom-engaging means and the elastic member to stretch the member and draw the upper about the sides of the toe portion of the last, and means associated with the clamping means for moving a portion of the elastic member over the bottom of the shoe.

68. l shoe lasting machine having, in combination, an elastic member of sheet material, means for holding the member by the margin thereof in such manner as to permit the member to receive the toe portion of an unlasted shoe, means for engaging the bottom of the shoe, and means for causing first movement of approach between the bottomengaging means and the member to force the toe of the shoe into the member to stretch it and thereby to draw the upper of the shoe about the sides of the toe portion of the last, then movement of the margin-holding means over the bottom of the shoe to carry the margin of the upper over said bottom, then relative movement of separation of the bottom-engagin means and the member to permit the margin of the upper to be pressed against the bottom of the shoe, then a second movement of approach between the bottomengaging means and the member to relieve the pressure, and finally return of the bot tonrengaging means and the marginholding means to their initial positions.

ln testimony whereof l have signed my name to this specifics, 3

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